Pelican Park suffers significant storm damage

The staff of Recreation District #1 returned to work at
the Pelican Park last week to begin the clean up process, Pelican Park director Kathy Foley said.

The park and Castine Center, for the most part, suffered significant
but not devastating damage. There are between 300-500 trees down in the
park, Foley said in an email Friday.

All of the light poles in the park are standing but some are leaning.
While only eight light fixtures were completely blown away, the lights at all fields must be re-aimed, she said. Fencing, goals, netting and various
out-buildings were also damaged.

The Brown gym and Castine Center have moderate damage to the roof but
the White gym had the west side roof panels and insulation blown away.

Since Sept. 1, the Castine Center and all of the parking lots have been home to TXU, a utilities company from Dallas. More than 400 workers are being housed in the buildings. More than 300 trucks are being parked in the parking lots.

Because of this, the park will stay closed until at least the end of September, or until Cleco/TXU leaves the community, Foley said.

A decision has not been made about the fall sports season or events
scheduled at the Castine Center at this time. Check the website, www.Pelicanpark.com, for updated information and pictures of the park.